The IELTS Reading section tests your ability to comprehend complex texts and answer various question types accurately. Today, we’ll focus on a crucial topic that frequently appears in IELTS exams: the effects of environmental degradation on health. This subject has been consistently popular in past tests due to its global relevance and impact on human well-being. Given the ongoing environmental challenges we face, it’s highly likely that similar themes will continue to feature in future IELTS exams.
Let’s dive into a practice passage and questions to help you prepare for this type of content in your IELTS Reading test.
Practice Passage: The Hidden Toll of Environmental Decline
Environmental degradation is a pressing global issue with far-reaching consequences for human health. As our planet’s natural systems deteriorate, the impacts on public health become increasingly evident and severe. This article explores the multifaceted relationship between environmental decline and human well-being.
One of the most direct effects of environmental degradation on health is the deterioration of air quality. As industrial activities and vehicular emissions increase, the air we breathe becomes laden with pollutants such as particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide. These contaminants can lead to a range of respiratory problems, from chronic conditions like asthma and bronchitis to acute respiratory infections. Moreover, long-term exposure to air pollution has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases and certain types of cancer.
Water pollution, another consequence of environmental degradation, poses significant health risks. Industrial effluents, agricultural runoff, and improper waste disposal contaminate water sources with harmful chemicals, heavy metals, and pathogens. Consuming contaminated water can lead to waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and hepatitis A. Additionally, the presence of endocrine-disrupting chemicals in water supplies can interfere with hormonal systems, potentially leading to developmental issues and reproductive health problems.
The loss of biodiversity due to habitat destruction and climate change also has indirect but profound effects on human health. Ecosystems provide various services that are crucial for human well-being, including the regulation of disease-carrying organisms. As these systems are disrupted, we may see an increase in vector-borne diseases like malaria, dengue fever, and Lyme disease. Furthermore, the loss of plant species limits our potential to discover new medicines, as many pharmaceuticals are derived from natural compounds found in plants.
Climate change, a major driver of environmental degradation, amplifies health risks in numerous ways. Rising temperatures lead to more frequent and intense heatwaves, which can cause heat stress, heat stroke, and exacerbate existing cardiovascular and respiratory conditions. Changing weather patterns also affect food production, potentially leading to malnutrition and food insecurity in vulnerable populations. Additionally, extreme weather events such as floods and hurricanes can cause injuries, displace communities, and disrupt healthcare services.
Soil degradation, often overlooked, has significant implications for human health. Erosion, salinization, and contamination of soil reduce agricultural productivity and the nutritional value of crops. This can lead to micronutrient deficiencies in populations relying on locally grown food. Moreover, contaminated soil can introduce toxins into the food chain, potentially causing long-term health effects in humans.
The psychological impact of environmental degradation should not be underestimated. Living in degraded environments or experiencing the loss of natural spaces can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and depression. This phenomenon, known as “ecological grief,” is becoming more recognized as a public health concern, particularly in communities directly affected by environmental changes.
Addressing the health impacts of environmental degradation requires a multifaceted approach. Implementing stricter environmental regulations, promoting sustainable practices, and investing in clean technologies are crucial steps. Public health systems must also adapt to address the changing landscape of environmental health risks. Education and awareness campaigns can empower individuals to make environmentally conscious choices that benefit both personal and public health.
In conclusion, the effects of environmental degradation on health are diverse and far-reaching. From respiratory diseases caused by air pollution to the emergence of new infectious diseases due to ecosystem disruption, the toll on human well-being is significant. Recognizing and addressing these interconnections between environmental and human health is crucial for creating a sustainable and healthy future for all.
Practice Questions
True/False/Not Given
Determine if the following statements are True, False, or Not Given based on the information in the passage.
- Air pollution can cause both short-term and long-term health problems.
- Water pollution only affects human health through the consumption of contaminated drinking water.
- The loss of biodiversity can lead to an increase in vector-borne diseases.
- Climate change has no impact on food security.
- Soil degradation can result in micronutrient deficiencies in humans.
Multiple Choice
Choose the correct answer, A, B, C, or D.
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Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a health effect of air pollution?
A) Asthma
B) Bronchitis
C) Cardiovascular diseases
D) Liver damage -
According to the passage, endocrine-disrupting chemicals in water can:
A) Cause immediate death
B) Lead to developmental issues
C) Improve hormonal balance
D) Have no effect on human health -
The term “ecological grief” refers to:
A) The loss of plant species
B) Psychological impact of environmental degradation
C) Physical illnesses caused by pollution
D) Economic losses due to climate change
Matching Headings
Match the following headings to the correct paragraphs in the passage. There are more headings than paragraphs, so you will not use all of them.
- Paragraph 2
- Paragraph 3
- Paragraph 4
- Paragraph 5
- Paragraph 6
Headings:
A) The Impact of Climate Change on Health
B) Air Pollution and Respiratory Health
C) Water Contamination and Diseases
D) Biodiversity Loss and Human Well-being
E) Soil Degradation and Nutrition
F) Psychological Effects of Environmental Change
G) Solutions to Environmental Health Issues
Short Answer Questions
Answer the following questions using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from the passage for each answer.
- What type of diseases might increase due to the disruption of ecosystems?
- What phenomenon is becoming recognized as a public health concern related to environmental changes?
- What approach does the passage suggest is necessary to address the health impacts of environmental degradation?
Answer Key and Explanations
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True – The passage states that air pollution can lead to both “chronic conditions like asthma and bronchitis” (long-term) and “acute respiratory infections” (short-term).
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False – The passage mentions that water pollution affects health through drinking water, but also through “endocrine-disrupting chemicals” which can interfere with hormonal systems.
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True – The text explicitly states that disruption of ecosystems “may see an increase in vector-borne diseases like malaria, dengue fever, and Lyme disease.”
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False – The passage clearly states that “Changing weather patterns also affect food production, potentially leading to malnutrition and food insecurity.”
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True – The passage mentions that soil degradation can “lead to micronutrient deficiencies in populations relying on locally grown food.”
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D) Liver damage – The passage mentions respiratory problems, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer, but not liver damage.
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B) Lead to developmental issues – The text states that endocrine-disrupting chemicals can “potentially lead to developmental issues and reproductive health problems.”
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B) Psychological impact of environmental degradation – The passage defines “ecological grief” as a psychological impact related to environmental changes.
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B) Air Pollution and Respiratory Health
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C) Water Contamination and Diseases
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D) Biodiversity Loss and Human Well-being
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A) The Impact of Climate Change on Health
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E) Soil Degradation and Nutrition
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Vector-borne diseases
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Ecological grief
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Multifaceted approach
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Overlooking specific details: In True/False/Not Given questions, pay close attention to specific words and phrases. For example, in question 2, the word “only” is crucial for determining the answer.
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Making assumptions: Avoid drawing conclusions not explicitly stated in the text. Stick to the information provided.
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Misinterpreting complex sentences: Break down long sentences to understand their full meaning. This is particularly important for questions like 7 and 8.
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Rushing through matching exercises: For matching headings, read the entire paragraph carefully to understand its main idea before selecting a heading.
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Using your own words in short answer questions: Remember to use the exact words from the passage for short answer questions.
Vocabulary Focus
- Degradation (noun): The process of becoming worse or declining in quality.
- Multifaceted (adjective): Having many different aspects or features.
- Effluents (noun): Liquid waste or sewage discharged into a river or the sea.
- Endocrine-disrupting (adjective): Interfering with the normal functioning of hormones.
- Vector-borne (adjective): Transmitted to humans and other animals by blood-feeding insects.
- Salinization (noun): The process of increasing the salt content in soil.
- Ecological grief (noun phrase): Emotional response to losses in the natural world due to environmental degradation.
Grammar Spotlight
Pay attention to the use of complex sentence structures in the passage, such as:
“As industrial activities and vehicular emissions increase, the air we breathe becomes laden with pollutants such as particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide.”
This sentence uses a cause-and-effect structure, introduced by “As,” to show the relationship between human activities and air pollution. It also includes a list of specific pollutants, demonstrating how to incorporate detailed information into a single sentence.
Tips for High Scores in IELTS Reading
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Practice time management: Allocate your time wisely between reading the passage and answering questions.
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Improve your vocabulary: Regularly learn new words related to environment and health topics.
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Develop skimming and scanning skills: Quickly identify key information without reading every word.
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Read actively: Underline key points and make brief notes as you read.
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Familiarize yourself with all question types: Practice with various question formats to improve your versatility.
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Pay attention to transition words: These can help you understand the structure and flow of ideas in the passage.
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Don’t leave any questions unanswered: Even if you’re unsure, make an educated guess.
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Review your answers: If time allows, double-check your responses for accuracy.
By focusing on these strategies and practicing regularly with passages like the one provided, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle the IELTS Reading section, especially when it comes to topics related to environmental degradation and health. Remember, understanding the interconnections between different aspects of a topic is key to succeeding in complex reading tasks.
For more practice on related topics, you might find these articles helpful: